Dussehra School Holidays 2026: Complete Schedule Across States

Dussehra, a festival symbolizing the victory of good over evil, will be celebrated on October 20, 2026. This article outlines the school holiday schedules across various states in India, highlighting the differences in holiday durations. Uttar Pradesh will have an 8-day break, while West Bengal enjoys a 12-day holiday for Durga Puja. Learn about the holiday schedules in Delhi-NCR, Telangana, and other states to plan your festive celebrations.

By Sourabh Singh Oct 16, 2026, 16:30 IST

Dussehra School Holidays 2026

Dussehra School Holidays 2026: Dussehra represents the triumph of righteousness over evil and is celebrated with fervor nationwide. The festival of Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, is set to take place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. During this festive time, markets buzz with activity, and preparations for 'Ravan Dahan' (the effigy burning of Ravana) are underway. Students and their families eagerly anticipate an extended break. The holiday schedule for schools varies by state.

Generally, northern states observe a holiday of 2 to 3 days for Dussehra. In contrast, southern states, along with West Bengal and Telangana, often enjoy a more extended break, commonly referred to as an 'autumn break' or Durga Puja holidays. Students are particularly excited about these holidays, as they provide a much-needed respite from their studies and an opportunity for enjoyment. Here’s a look at the school closures for Dussehra across different states in 2026.

Dussehra School Holidays 2026: Duration of School Closures
Dussehra is on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. By taking Monday off, it can create a long weekend. Many states extend their holidays for Dussehra. Below is a summary of how many days schools will be closed in various states for this festive occasion.

Uttar Pradesh: An 8-Day Break

In Uttar Pradesh, students will enjoy an 8-day holiday for Dussehra. The main festival is on October 20, but according to the education department's calendar, holidays will be from October 18 to October 25. Schools will reopen on Monday, October 26.

Delhi-NCR School Closures

In Delhi and the NCR region, school holidays are relatively short. The Directorate of Education, Delhi, has announced a three-day break—October 18, 19, and 20, 2026—aligning with the main festival, allowing children to celebrate with their families.

West Bengal: 12-Day Durga Puja Holiday
In West Bengal, the Durga Puja and Dussehra celebrations are grand. Schools in this state will be closed for 12 consecutive days, from October 15 to October 26, immersing the entire state in a festive spirit.

Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Holiday Schedule
Students in Telangana will be pleased to know that after their ‘Summative Assessment-1’ (SA-1) exams, they will have a break from October 10 to October 23, totaling 13 days. In Andhra Pradesh, schools will close from October 12 to October 21, resuming classes on October 22.

Holiday Information for Rajasthan, Bihar, and Jharkhand
In Rajasthan, government schools will be closed for 8 days, from October 18 to October 25, as per the academic calendar. Bihar's government and aided schools will observe a 5-day holiday from October 17 to October 21 for Durga Puja and Dussehra. Jharkhand will have a three-day holiday from October 19 to October 21, covering the period from Maha Ashtami to Vijaya Dashami.